SMART is an acronym for the elements of goals that lead up to the accomplishment of a specific task. These key performance indicators apply to nearly all disciplines, including fluid analysis programs.

The letters represent:

S (Specific)

M (Measurable)

A (Attainable)

R (Realistic)

T (Timely)

SMART goals first appeared in a November 1981 issue of Management Review in an article titled, “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives” by George Doran, Arthur Miller and James Cunningham. For a synopsis, visit: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/humanresources/pms/pm/smart.pdf.